Mandatory Credit: Victor Calzada/El Paso Times via USA TODAY NETWORK
News: Pope Francis Visits Mexico
(Vatican City) — Pope Francis used his Easter message on Sunday to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages. The pontiff also spoke about other world events including Ukraine, Haiti, Sudan, and other places experiencing war and famine.
Tens of thousands were in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to hear Pope Francis preside over Easter Mass. The Pope circled among the faithful Sunday morning, waving to them from his popemobile. The 87-year-old had to skip the Good Friday procession this year because of health issues, but was back Saturday night for the Easter Vigil, where he delivered the homily from his wheelchair.
Some Ukrainian officials are angry over Pope Francis’ comments that the country should seek to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. The Pontiff said that when one sees they are defeated they should have the courage to negotiate, the courage of the white flag, he called it. Ukrainians immediately responded with outrage. The country’s ambassador told the Vatican that Kyiv could not accept the Pope’s logic, and the foreign minister said they will never raise a flag other than their national yellow and blue.
